Storrs, Conn. — The UConn women’s basketball program released devastating news Wednesday that will undoubtedly change the course of the 2022-23 season.
Superstar guard Paige Bookers tore the ACL in his left knee during Monday’s pick-up basketball game. According to the team’s news release, she will be out next season.
Buckers, the former Hopkins High prodigy, underwent an MRI Monday night, which confirmed the injury. On Friday she will have surgery at UConn Health. Updates on her recovery timeline will be shared as per her steps.
“We’re all devastated for Paige,” UConn director Geno Auriema said. It’s a setback, Paige is clearly a great basketball player, but she’s a better person and a better teammate, and it’s really unfortunate that this happened to her.
“We will miss her on the court, but she will continue to lead this season and do everything she can to help her teammates. I will support Paige through her healing process to help her recover.”
The news is a heavy blow for the Huskies, who had injuries and COVID-19 issues weighing on nearly their entire roster last season. Among them was Buckers, who missed 19 games after suffering an anterior tibial plateau fracture and the same lateral meniscus tear in his left knee. She had surgery on her December 13th, but resumed her action on February 25th, leading the Huskies to her Four of the Minneapolis Finals. They lost the championship game to South Carolina.
She still led the team in averaging 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Beukers promised to stay with the Storrs over the summer to get stronger to prevent injury.
“It’s just crazy that you’re working so hard to get your health back, feeling stronger than ever, playing the best basketball, and all of a sudden a move can change everything,” Bookers said. posted on Instagram“It’s hard trying to understand everything right now, but I can’t help but think God is using me as a testimony to how much you can overcome when He’s on your side.” A little kid who just ripped it off or major surgery might need this Story P.
“There will be good days and bad days, but my absolute love and godlike strength for the game will get me back where I need to be. I worked too hard for the sake of it. Why stop now so that I can continue to pursue the dream I had when I first got the ball?
After reaching a national championship game last year despite injuries that included Bukkers, Aji Fad (foot), Dorka Juhas (wrist) and Caroline Ducharme (hip), UConn players are ready for the next I was confident in my ability to win the entire season. healthy roster. Those aspirations are now completely changed.
Bookers became the first freshman in women’s college basketball history to win the Uden Trophy, Naismith Trophy, AP Player of the Year and USBWA Player of the Year in 2020-21. She averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game that year.
